| Dear Families and Friends,
These past few weeks, we’ve come together to enjoy time in community and advance our shared mission through celebration. As we support each other, we know the strong bonds of people supported, families, and staff are how Citizens Options Unlimited continues to excel.
The impact of person-centered support and the value our community brings not only extends to each other—but to Nassau and Suffolk counties. This commitment makes so much possible, from self-advocate Jamie Allen’s presentation at the CQL accreditation meeting to the remarkable work of our Employees of the Quarter.
Last weekend, our community came out in full force to support the AHRC Foundation Walk. Raising more than $85,000, the AHRC Foundation bridges financial gaps and sustains the essential services depended on by children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
As we face ongoing challenges, including cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential supports, our advocacy matters more than ever before. Let’s continue to make our voices heard and ensure lawmakers understand the pressing issues shaping our community at citizens-inc.org/advocate.
How we continue to show up matters. Through shared positivity, purpose, and partnership, we will continue working toward a more inclusive future for all.
Best regards,
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| | | Jamie Allen Shines in Personal Outcome Measures
Presentation and Pursuing Her Goals |
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| Jamie Allen, who resides at the Pickwick Drive residence in Syosset, practiced her Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) presentation throughout the fall and had the chance to share the agency’s Person-Centered Planning process with visiting specialists from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership on Thursday, October 23.
Citizens Options Unlimited, along with partner agency AHRC Nassau, is among nine organizations in the United States to have achieved CQL’s highest accreditation, Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation, With Distinction. |
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| To maintain this accreditation, people supported and staff share on an ongoing basis how POMs' 21 indicators of success appear in the lives of people supported, such as choice, social capital, health, and relationships, which enable people to dream bigger.
“Your dreams, your future, and your life,” are just some of the areas POMs covers, Jamie said. Jamie has many dreams, and one is to always see her friends. |
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| | | An AHRC Foundation Walk Success!
Citizens fundraising teams walk and raise money for
disability services |
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| | On the morning of Sunday, November 2, the Citizens Options Unlimited community joined over 1,100 walkers for the 44th annual AHRC Foundation Walk, raising over $93,000 in support of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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| This year’s Walk comes at a critical time, as disability services face ongoing challenges from cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs. Yet together, nearly 100 teams stepped forward to raise awareness and champion inclusion and opportunity for children and adults with IDD. |
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| | | | Autumn is a festive season, filled with adventure, celebrations, and plenty of fall fun for people supported by Residential Services, Respite Connections and Camp Loyaltown.
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| | | Celebrating Standout Team Members at the
Employee of Quarter Luncheon |
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| Outstanding members of the Citizens Options Unlimited team were honored at the Employee of the Quarter Luncheon on October 16 in the Brookville mansion. |
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| | Standout employees highlighted, included Jennifer Ford-Rochester, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Helen Kaplan Center Intermediate Care Facility (ICF); Sara Buckley and Cameron Schweers, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the Shoreham ICF; Diane Berry, a DSP at the Fort Salonga Road residence in Northport; Michelle Nerette, Manager at the North Cedar Street residence in Massapequa; and Emelyn Valladares, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). |
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| “This recognition is more than just about your hard work, although you certainly embody that on a day-to-day basis. It’s about your heart, your dedication, and your deep and unwavering commitment to the people and families we support,” said Stanfort J. Perry, CEO. “You were nominated by your peers, which speaks volumes. It means that your compassion, your reliability, and your excellence are seen, felt and deeply valued every single day.” |
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| | | Pumpkins, Scarecrows and Smiles: Fall Festival at Helen Kaplan Center Celebrates the Season |
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| Scarecrows were dressed to impress and smiling jack-o-lanterns greeted attendees at the 2025 Fall Festival at the Helen Kaplan Center campus on October 21. On the crisp fall morning, the campus celebrated the season with arts & crafts, festive music, and plenty of seasonal activities.
Games included a ring toss, corn hole, and stations to decorate ghosts and scarecrows. |
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| "We plan it every year," said Jane Erb, Volunteer and former Program Coordinator for AHRC Nassau's Day Habilitation Services at Helen Kaplan Center. "Each house works on it. They each decorate a pumpkin and scarecrow." |
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| | | Registration Now Open for Summer 2026 Season at
Camp Loyaltown in Hunter, New York. |
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| | The camp season begins on June 14 and brings together campers of all abilities and counselors from around the world for an unforgettable summer in the Catskill Mountains. At camp, anything is possible because it’s an environment that’s accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
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| | | Join our AHRC Foundation Angels! |
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| Every day, more than 4,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Long Island take part in programs that support learning, connection, and personal growth. When you become an AHRC Foundation Angel, you help make these opportunities possible. |
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| When Regina moved into her new home last year, she had things to say — she just didn’t always have a way to say them. One staff member offered her a simple starting point: a pen and a clipboard.
Today, Regina has a clearer way to express herself and be understood — and she’s building confidence to share more with the people around her.
Real progress happens one small step at a time, with support that doesn’t give up. Your gift also strengthens a trusted network of organizations — AHRC Nassau, Citizens Options Unlimited, Brookville Center for Children’s Services — along with other community-based providers. |
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| | | | | Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!
Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small!
At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence. |
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| | | Give your Thanksgiving table the perfect finishing touch with a beautiful centerpiece from Wheatley Farms. Each arrangement is handcrafted with seasonal blooms and festive charm — perfect for celebrating gratitude and togetherness.
These centerpieces are grown and arranged with care by the Wheatley Farms team — supporting meaningful work by the people we support!
Order yours today and make your holiday shine!
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